Typhoon sweeps pass Hong Kong
Typhoon Nesat brushed past Hong Kong on Thursday morning, bringing heavy rain and strong winds.
A No.8 typhoon warning was issued, closing the Hong Kong stock exchange, schools and most businesses.
No deaths were reported, but at least two people were hospitalised after being hit by falling debris.
The winds knocked down several window panels from the headquarters of Hang Seng Bank in the business district, but no one was injured.
People who travelled into the city for work found themselves trapped.
(SOUNDBITE) (English) STRANDED PASSENGER, WAYNE MARSHALL, SAYING:
"A little bit. I'm actually a little bit surprised because I first tried to take the bus back and those were all cancelled and then I showed up here and these are all cancelled. So the best we can hope for is wait till it's lifted to a 3, or lowered to a 3, and then I might be able to catch a bus before tonight."
Ferry terminals that link Hong Kong to Macau, south China and outlying islands were also closed.
Angry tourists gathered outside ticket counters demanding their money back.
(SOUNDBITE) (Mandarin) STRANDED PASSENGER, MRS. HUANG, SAYING:
"Look, there are children and elderly people here. No matter if there is a natural disaster or what, someone should come out and solve the problem."
Typhoon Nesat passed about 390 kilometres southwest of Hong Kong, which saw winds of up to 121 kilometres per hour.
The tropical cyclone hit the Philippines on Tuesday, leaving at least 35 dead, with 45 more still missing.
Sophia Soo, Reuters.
A No.8 typhoon warning was issued, closing the Hong Kong stock exchange, schools and most businesses.
No deaths were reported, but at least two people were hospitalised after being hit by falling debris.
The winds knocked down several window panels from the headquarters of Hang Seng Bank in the business district, but no one was injured.
People who travelled into the city for work found themselves trapped.
(SOUNDBITE) (English) STRANDED PASSENGER, WAYNE MARSHALL, SAYING:
"A little bit. I'm actually a little bit surprised because I first tried to take the bus back and those were all cancelled and then I showed up here and these are all cancelled. So the best we can hope for is wait till it's lifted to a 3, or lowered to a 3, and then I might be able to catch a bus before tonight."
Ferry terminals that link Hong Kong to Macau, south China and outlying islands were also closed.
Angry tourists gathered outside ticket counters demanding their money back.
(SOUNDBITE) (Mandarin) STRANDED PASSENGER, MRS. HUANG, SAYING:
"Look, there are children and elderly people here. No matter if there is a natural disaster or what, someone should come out and solve the problem."
Typhoon Nesat passed about 390 kilometres southwest of Hong Kong, which saw winds of up to 121 kilometres per hour.
The tropical cyclone hit the Philippines on Tuesday, leaving at least 35 dead, with 45 more still missing.
Sophia Soo, Reuters.